Recently, I’ve been writing about waiting on God. Today I want to continue that theme. But for clarity, let me briefly review two foundational premises.
Premise #1: Waiting For vs. Waiting On
There is a difference between waiting for answers to our prayers and promises—and waiting on God.
Waiting on God is what we do while we are waiting for answers. It is sitting before Him in adoration and trust, knowing that He Himself is our reward.
Answers may take time. Promises may unfold slowly. But intimacy with God is available now.
Premise #2: Waiting on God Is an Activity of the Soul
Waiting on God is an activity of the inward man—the spirit. As we engage with Him in the Spirit, we are strengthened and renewed regardless of what is happening externally.
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:16:
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.”
That renewal happens as we wait on Him.
The Reality of Waiting for Answers
While waiting on God strengthens us internally, waiting for answers is still very real—and sometimes very difficult.
Prayers we’ve prayed. Promises we’ve believed. Things we’ve hoped for.
Sometimes they don’t materialize in the timeframe we expected.
Proverbs 13:12 says:
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.”
Delayed hope can weigh heavily on the heart.
I personally am in a season of waiting for some things to come to pass. In the process, I’ve been learning how to wait on God while I wait for answers. Here are a few lessons that have become especially real to me.
Lesson #1: Don’t Quit Praying
Jesus addressed this directly in Luke 18. Verse 1 says:
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.”
Perseverance in prayer is essential.
When circumstances don’t shift quickly, it’s tempting to grow discouraged. But prayer is not just about results—it’s relational. It keeps our hearts aligned with God while we wait.
Keep talking to Him.
And keep listening.
He has wisdom, direction, and comfort for you—even before the answer comes.
Lesson #2: Learn to Encourage Yourself
Galatians 6:9 reminds us:
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Weariness is real. If left unchecked, it can affect us spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
We must care for our bodies—rest, exercise, and healthy habits matter. “Hope deferred” can take a toll if we ignore it.
In 1 Samuel 30, David was “greatly distressed.” Everyone around him had turned against him. Yet Scripture says he “strengthened himself in the Lord” (1 Samuel 30:6).
No one encouraged him—he encouraged himself.
Learning how to build yourself up in faith is essential in seasons of waiting.
Lesson #3: Don’t Act Impulsively
Impatience can lead to costly mistakes.
When things aren’t unfolding the way we hoped, we may be tempted to take matters into our own hands. But not every open door is God’s door.
There is a tension in the spiritual life:
- Sometimes we are waiting on God to act.
- Sometimes God is waiting on us.
Discernment and wisdom are necessary.
King Saul lost his kingship because he could not wait for Samuel (1 Samuel 13).
Abraham and Sarah conceived Ishmael because the wait for the promised son felt too long (Genesis 16).
Both situations were driven by impatience.
When in doubt—pause. Pray. Seek wisdom.
Final Encouragement
Don’t misstep.
Wait patiently.
Pray consistently.
Encourage yourself in the Lord.
In due time, you will reap the reward.
And in the waiting, you may discover that God Himself is the greatest reward of all.
What answers to prayer are you currently waiting for?
How would your rate yourself in the waiting “on” God while you’re waiting “for” God?
Take some time to worship Him for who He is.
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